Pittsburgh Panthers Football: How The Loss of Greg Romeus Affects Season

Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt just announced that defensive end Greg Romeus will have back surgery, taking him out of the line up for the time being.

Romeus is expected to make a full recovery and return for the end of the season.  This is a major loss for the Panthers.  Replacing the 2009 Big East co-defensive player won't be easy.

Romeus recorded four tackles in the season opening loss against Utah and didn't play Saturday against New Hampshire.

They are now without the leader of the defense, which was looked at as a major strength of the team.

When healthy, Romeus is a force that puts up numbers; including 43 tackles, including 11.5 for losses, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception a season ago.

He, along with Jabaal Sheard formed a duo that helped Pitt lead the nation in sacks last season.  They figured to be close to accomplishing the feat again, but without Romeus it will be difficult.

Romeus not being there really could result in a drop of production for Sheard, who will likely now be double teamed on every single play.

Sheard has been off to a slow start, but did register a sack against New Hampshire.

Romeus will likely be replace by junior Brandon Lindsay who had a pair of sacks filling in for him on Saturday.  Lindsay has big shoes to fill, but the coaching staff is very high on him.

The pressure to perform also shifts heavily to the guys inside, defensive tackles Chas Alecxih and Myles Caragein.  Alecxih can look to build off his three-sack day against New Hampshire.

For a team still looking for a big win, replacing Romeus won't be easy, but someone will need to step up in his absence.